Scholes fit again to focus on Manchester United's challenge for a hat-trick of titles

Paul Scholes is determined to help reassert Manchester United's challenge for more trophies at home and in Europe in the second half of the season.

United complete a memorable 2008 against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford tomorrow, needing a victory to keep themselves in touch with Liverpool and Chelsea as they look to complete a Premier League title hat-trick.

United might well be in the thick of battle but enter the new year two games behind their main rivals after diversions at the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup in Japan.

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Back on track: Fit-again Paul Scholes is determined to play a part as Manchester United step up their charge for trophies in the season's second half

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While United can now justifiably claim to be the best team on the planet, Scholes is happy to concentrate on the usual big prizes in the months ahead. 'It is nice to be back and be able to concentrate on the other competitions," he said. "That is not to say anything about the Japan trip.

'But now we can really concentrate on the league, the Champions League and the two domestic cups - which are important to us.'

As Scholes was dismissive of the Japan jaunt before departure, his stance is hardly a surprise. However, what the 34-year-old was able to do in Yokohama was get a full game under his belt, hastening a return to full fitness following knee surgery.

The comeback, which extended into the Boxing Day win over Stoke, came a couple of weeks earlier than expected, maintaining Scholes's reputation as a quick healer. That is not to say the former England midfielder felt his presence was missed.

Like manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Scholes is confident United have the strength in depth to cope with the challenges ahead. "We have got so many players who can play in midfield, I was not missed," he said.'The performances while I was out were really good. We have got the squad to handle things.'

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Will to win: Paul Scholes believes that Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is a 'winner by nature'

Ferguson may test that strength in depth for his side's second game in three days, following United's return from the Far East. Brazilian full-back Rafael may be introduced into a defence missing both Rio Ferdinand, with a worrying back problem, and Patrice Evra, who is serving a four-match ban.

The main interest will surround the possible return of record signing Dimitar Berbatov, who travelled to Japan but picked up a virus that ensured he played no part in the tournament itself.

Ferguson has already expressed his hope the game is completed free of controversy after a number of spats in recent years but Scholes added: 'There is a bit of needle in every game these days, because the teams are so desperate to win. Gareth Southgate is a winner by nature. Our manager is the same - it's just the way it is."

Despite Boro's slide down the table, United will treat the Teessiders with caution. It is not unknown for Boro to win at Old Trafford, while Southgate's men have also proved to be formidable opponents at the Riverside in recent years too.

'Boro had a good record against us until about two seasons ago," admitted Scholes. "We beat them in the league convincingly last season and in the Carling Cup this year, but down the years it has been a tough fixture for us.'